How Defensive Weaknesses Cost the Home Team in a Thrilling 2-2 Stalemate

Inter Milan Held to Draw by Napoli: Defensive Frailties Exposed

Inter Milan and Napoli played out a thrilling 2-2 draw at the San Siro, a result that will sting more for the home side given their Scudetto ambitions. While the attacking flair was evident, particularly from Napoli’s in-form striker Rasmus Hojlund, Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially concerning their center-backs against pace and power, were brutally exposed. Federico Dimarco’s stellar performance on the left wing was a rare bright spot in an otherwise frustrating evening for Simone Inzaghi’s men.

Hojlund’s Dominance: A Nightmare for Inter’s Center-Backs

Rasmus Hojlund was the clear Man of the Match, causing constant problems for Inter’s back three of Francesco Acerbi, Alessandro Bastoni, and Stefan de Vrij (who replaced Acerbi in the second half). His pace, strength, and intelligent movement stretched the Inter defense, creating space for Napoli’s other attackers and allowing him to score two well-taken goals. The first goal saw him exploit a gap between Acerbi and Bastoni, latching onto a through ball and finishing clinically past Yann Sommer. The second showcased his aerial prowess, outjumping De Vrij to head home from a corner.

Acerbi, in particular, struggled against Hojlund’s physicality. While typically reliable in his positioning and reading of the game, Acerbi was often caught flat-footed, failing to anticipate Hojlund’s runs. Bastoni, usually comfortable on the ball and adept at stepping out of defense, was also hesitant, seemingly unsure whether to commit to challenges or drop off. De Vrij’s introduction didn’t significantly improve the situation, as evidenced by his being beaten in the air for Napoli’s second goal. This match highlighted a potential weakness in Inter’s defense: their susceptibility to strikers with exceptional pace and power, a concern Inzaghi will need to address if Inter are to maintain their title challenge.

Looking at the defensive performance metrics, the Inter center-backs collectively won only 45% of their aerial duels, significantly lower than their season average. They also conceded possession cheaply in dangerous areas on several occasions, contributing to Napoli’s attacking opportunities. This lack of composure and decisiveness at the back ultimately cost Inter two valuable points.

Dimarco’s Brilliance: A Lone Spark for Inter

While the defense faltered, Federico Dimarco provided a constant threat down Inter’s left flank. His energy, creativity, and crossing ability were a constant source of problems for Napoli’s defense. He was directly involved in Inter’s first goal, delivering a pinpoint cross that Lautaro Martinez headed home. Throughout the match, Dimarco consistently beat his marker, creating numerous opportunities for his teammates. His work rate was also exceptional, tracking back to support the defense and pressing Napoli’s wingbacks relentlessly.

Dimarco’s performance was a testament to his growing importance to Inter Milan. He has evolved into a complete wingback, capable of contributing both defensively and offensively. His ability to deliver quality crosses, combined with his tireless running and tactical awareness, makes him a key asset for Inzaghi’s side. In a game where many of his teammates struggled, Dimarco’s performance stood out as a reminder of his quality and his importance to Inter’s overall success.

Statistically, Dimarco completed 87% of his passes, created 4 key passes, and won 7 of his 9 attempted tackles. His heatmap showed his constant presence in Napoli’s half, highlighting his attacking contribution. He was also fouled 4 times, indicating the difficulty Napoli’s defenders had in containing him.

Tactical Tweaks and Inzaghi’s Response

Simone Inzaghi’s tactical setup, a 3-5-2 formation, initially aimed to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. However, Napoli’s high pressing and Hojlund’s constant threat disrupted Inter’s rhythm, forcing them to play more direct and less patiently. Inzaghi’s decision to replace Acerbi with De Vrij at halftime was likely an attempt to add more composure and experience to the defense. However, as mentioned earlier, De Vrij’s introduction didn’t have the desired effect, as he was outjumped for Napoli’s second goal.

Francesco Calzona, Napoli’s coach, deserves credit for his tactical approach. He clearly identified Inter’s defensive vulnerabilities and instructed his team to exploit them, particularly through Hojlund’s runs in behind. Napoli’s high pressing also disrupted Inter’s build-up play, preventing them from establishing control in midfield. Calzona’s tactical flexibility and his ability to adapt to the game’s flow were key factors in Napoli securing a valuable point at the San Siro.

Yann Sommer’s Performance Under Scrutiny

While not directly at fault for either goal, Yann Sommer’s performance in goal for Inter will likely come under scrutiny. His distribution was occasionally erratic, and he didn’t command his area with the same authority as his predecessor, Andre Onana. While Sommer made a couple of routine saves, he didn’t produce any game-changing stops that could have swung the match in Inter’s favor. His positioning for Hojlund’s first goal might also be questioned, although the striker’s finish was undeniably clinical. Sommer’s consistency will be crucial for Inter as they navigate the remainder of the season, and he will need to demonstrate greater command and confidence in the coming weeks.

Looking Ahead: Lessons Learned for Inter

This draw serves as a valuable lesson for Inter Milan. It highlighted their defensive vulnerabilities against pace and power, a weakness that other teams will undoubtedly look to exploit. Inzaghi needs to find a way to better protect his center-backs and ensure that they are not exposed in one-on-one situations. He may also need to consider rotating his defensive personnel to keep them fresh and prevent complacency. On the positive side, Dimarco’s performance demonstrated his importance to the team, and Inter’s attacking firepower remains a significant threat to any opponent. However, if they are to achieve their Scudetto ambitions, Inter need to address their defensive frailties and find a way to consistently shut out their opponents.

The result leaves Inter still in a strong position in the Serie A table, but it allows their rivals to close the gap. Napoli, on the other hand, will be buoyed by their performance and will look to build on this result in their upcoming matches. The race for the Scudetto is far from over, and this match served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Serie A football.

Player Ratings (Out of 10)

• Inter Milan:
• Yann Sommer: 6
• Francesco Acerbi: 5
• Alessandro Bastoni: 6
• Stefan de Vrij: 5.5
• Denzel Dumfries: 6
• Nicolo Barella: 6.5
• Hakan Calhanoglu: 7
• Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6
• Federico Dimarco: 8
• Lautaro Martinez: 7.5
• Marcus Thuram: 6
• Substitutes: Matteo Darmian (6), Davide Frattesi (6), Marko Arnautovic (6)
• Napoli:
• Alex Meret: 6.5
• Giovanni Di Lorenzo: 6
• Amir Rrahmani: 6.5
• Juan Jesus: 6
• Mario Rui: 6
• Frank Anguissa: 7
• Stanislav Lobotka: 7
• Piotr Zielinski: 6.5
• Matteo Politano: 6.5
• Rasmus Hojlund: 9
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia: 7
• Substitutes: Giacomo Raspadori (6), Jesper Lindstrom (6)

Managerial Impact

Simone Inzaghi’s game plan was clearly disrupted by Napoli’s intensity and Hojlund’s effectiveness. His substitutions, while intended to improve the team, ultimately failed to have the desired impact. Francesco Calzona, on the other hand, deserves significant praise for his tactical setup and his ability to motivate his team. He successfully exploited Inter’s weaknesses and secured a valuable point for Napoli. This match will undoubtedly raise questions about Inzaghi’s tactical flexibility and his ability to adapt to different opponents.

FAQ

Why did Inter Milan struggle defensively against Napoli?

Inter Milan struggled defensively primarily due to Rasmus Hojlund’s pace, power, and intelligent movement. Hojlund exploited the gaps between Inter’s center-backs, particularly Francesco Acerbi, and consistently won aerial duels. Napoli’s high pressing also disrupted Inter’s build-up play, contributing to defensive errors.

How important is Federico Dimarco to Inter Milan’s success?

Federico Dimarco is incredibly important to Inter Milan’s success. His energy, creativity, and crossing ability provide a constant threat down the left flank. He contributes both defensively and offensively, making him a key asset for Simone Inzaghi’s side. In this match, his performance was a standout, highlighting his quality and importance to the team.

Did Yann Sommer perform well in the match?

Yann Sommer’s performance was adequate but not exceptional. While not directly at fault for either goal, his distribution was occasionally erratic, and he didn’t command his area with the same authority as his predecessor. He didn’t produce any game-changing saves, and his positioning for Hojlund’s first goal might be questioned.

What tactical changes did Simone Inzaghi make during the match?

Simone Inzaghi replaced Francesco Acerbi with Stefan de Vrij at halftime, likely in an attempt to add more composure and experience to the defense. He also made attacking substitutions, bringing on Matteo Darmian, Davide Frattesi, and Marko Arnautovic, to try and find a winning goal. However, these changes ultimately failed to have the desired impact.

What does this result mean for Inter Milan’s Scudetto chances?

This draw is a setback for Inter Milan’s Scudetto chances, as it allows their rivals to close the gap. It also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that other teams will likely try to exploit. However, Inter remains in a strong position in the Serie A table, and their attacking firepower is still a significant threat. They will need to address their defensive frailties to maintain their title challenge.